Tech Note: High Performance Sensors for UMT TriboLab
Enabling Ultra-Low Friction Measurements with Advanced Dual-Axis Sensors
Reliable tribological characterization at very low force levels depends on sensors with a low noise floor and high dynamic range. This is particularly relevant for comparing subtle performance differences in low-friction coatings, thin lubricant films, and MEMS components.
This technical note summarizes the available load ranges and resolutions for Bruker's Gold Series and FLG UMT force sensors, which extend measurement capability for low-friction coating, lubricant, and MEMS testing.
Readers can expect to find:
- Sensor specifications covering load ranges from 0.05 N to 2000 N and resolutions down to 0.2 mN
- Description of the ultra-low noise floor and optional increased frequency response
- Comparison chart showing Gold Series noise floor relative to a standard sensor
KEYWORDS: Tribometer; Mechanical Tester; Technical Note; TN1001; Bruker; UMT TriboLab; ; Gold Series; Dual-Axis Force Sensor; MEMS; Low-Friction Coatings
Extremely Low Friction-Force Measurement Capabilities
With today’s emphasis on energy savings, achieving very low friction between sliding interfaces is an area of increasing interest and research. In addition to assessing small differences in the performance of low-friction coatings and lower viscosity lubricants, testing of the tribological performance of MEMS (micro-electro-mechanical systems) devices also requires measurement of extremely low friction forces, under similarly low normal forces.
Bruker’s Tribology and Mechanical Testing engineers have designed a new series of dualaxis force sensors that allow these precise measurements to be made. Key characteristics of the sensors include:
- An ultra-low noise floor of less than 0.02 microNewtons and 500-microNewton capacity
- Increased frequency response (optional)
